Laid Off but Not Let Down: How I Turned a Career Mess Into Momentum

For women in leadership navigating layoffs, career transitions, or work-life balance.

Hello friends — 

It’s been a while since I’ve shared an update. If you’ve followed my journey through The Beautiful Mess, you know that life — especially for women building careers and families — isn’t always neat and predictable. 

This past December, I was laid off from my role at Ginkgo Bioworks during a company-wide restructuring. If you’ve experienced a layoff, you know how disorienting and deeply personal it can feel, even when it’s part of a broader business decision. 

The moment was messy. My “skinny” fifteen-minute meeting invite had the ominous “impact on your role” subject line, and by noon that day, I was out of a job. The call itself? Awkward — my manager left after five minutes, and I was left with the HR rep who I learned was also laid off. 

But here’s the truth: it turned out to be the best thing that could have happened. 

I had known for some time that the role wasn’t the right fit. But like many high-performing women, especially those balancing careers and families, I felt stuck — by stability, inertia, or just the weight of the day-to-day. 

Once the rug was pulled out, here’s what helped me rebuild: 

Staying Connected to My Network 

Even when I was stretched thin, I kept in touch with my inner circle of trusted professional allies. For example, I attended WEFTEC last fall (on my own dime) to stay visible in the sustainability and clean water space. That one decision led to key conversations — and ultimately new opportunities. 

Revisiting My Personal Vision 

After a layoff, it’s easy to spiral. Every six months, I revisit a personal 3–5 year vision: what I want life to look like — work, family, relationships, health, and more. That clarity gave me a north star when my confidence wavered. 
(Want a template for writing your own vision? Let me know — it’s a 20-year practice I swear by.) 

Jumping into New Work 

I leaned into action. Within a week, I had a consulting project thanks to my network. That led me to a full-time role as Head of Business Development at Alchemyca, a startup transforming waste into renewable energy. This role draws on every piece of my background: engineering, sustainability, business development, and marketing. 

Final Thoughts for Women in Leadership 

If you’re feeling stuck — or have recently been laid off — know that the mess can lead to something beautiful. 

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to stay stuck.